Unfortunately, the simple truth is that millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing this not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk too, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases jail time. Sometimes a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. A legal court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment instead of other serious consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other penalties from the crime, but sometimes decrease the severity of such consequences to a large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in drug and alcohol treatment and is a first time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of people who do receive drug and alcohol treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges later on.